What is the original meaning of filial piety?

Filial piety: ~ son. do ~； Etiquette and custom observed in a certain period after the death of elders in the old days: observe ~. Mourning clothes: wear ~. Dai ~ surname.

Filial piety (pinyin: xiào) is a common word in Chinese, which first appeared in Shang Dynasty. Its ancient form is like a child helping an old man. Its original meaning is to care for parents wholeheartedly, which is extended to the etiquette and customs that the younger generation should abide by in a certain period after the death of their elders, and also extended to filial piety.

Extended data

Ancient understanding of filial piety

Filial piety is an extremely important criterion of ethical relations in ancient China and even in modern China. For a long time, China people's understanding of the meaning of filial piety has been seriously biased or even misunderstood. According to the records in the Book of Rites and other documents, "filial piety" is a complex conceptual system. It includes filial piety, respect, remonstrance, whole body, following the will and so on.

"The Book of Rites" said: "Honor to your relatives, followed by humiliation, can be cited below." In other words, the highest state of "filial piety" is to let parents and elders show respect for you, which is also often emphasized by the ancients. The "harsh" ancients may tell you bluntly that "nurturing" and "filial piety" have nothing to do.